“Being high” describes an altered state where an individual’s perception, mood, and mental functioning are significantly changed from their typical waking state. This experience is highly subjective, varying considerably among individuals and even for the same person in different situations. It involves temporary shifts in awareness, impacting how one thinks, feels, perceives, and responds to the environment.
Common Altered Sensations
Individuals often report euphoria, characterized by happiness and well-being. A profound sense of relaxation may accompany this, diminishing physical tension and promoting a calm mental state. Sensory experiences can become heightened, such as brighter colors or more intense sounds.
Perception of time may also alter, with minutes feeling like hours or time seeming to speed up. Some experience a sense of detachment, feeling separated from their body or surroundings, or a general unreality. Increased sociability or a heightened sense of connection with others is also common.
Varying Experiences by Substance Type
The specific feelings associated with being high differ significantly by substance type, as different drug classes affect the brain. Depressants slow central nervous system activity, inducing relaxation, drowsiness, and a “mellow” sensation. They can also lead to impaired judgment and coordination, resembling alcohol intoxication.
Stimulants, in contrast, boost brain activity, often resulting in heightened energy, increased focus, and intense happiness and self-esteem. However, higher doses can also induce agitation and increased wakefulness. Psychedelics, known for their profound impact on perception, can lead to vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, altered sensory experiences, and significant shifts in thoughts and emotions. These substances can create a sense of timelessness or detachment from reality.
When the Experience Shifts Negatively
While some experiences are sought after, the subjective feeling of being high can quickly turn unpleasant or distressing. Anxiety, paranoia, and panic are common negative experiences, particularly with stimulants or higher doses of certain substances. Confusion and disorientation can also arise, making information processing difficult.
Physical discomforts like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness may occur. Impaired coordination and motor function are also frequently reported, leading to clumsy movements. These negative feelings can be intense and may persist for several hours.
Influences on the Individual Experience
Many factors contribute to the individual experience of being high, even with the same substance. The dose taken plays a significant role, as higher amounts often lead to more intense and overwhelming effects. An individual’s body chemistry, including metabolism, influences how quickly and strongly a substance affects them.
The mental state prior to consumption, including mood and expectations, profoundly shapes the experience. The environment or setting also plays a role. Finally, an individual’s tolerance levels can alter the intensity and duration of the effects.